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Track Attack (TA) – Competitive Program Information

XC Bragg creek ski club is pleased to offer a ski program specially designed for youth who are in the “Learning to Train” stage of development.  This program is designed for athletes who wish to race and develop competitive ski skills in both skate & classic skiing. The focus of the Track Attack program is to help participants become technically competent cross country skiers and use their skills to explore a wide range of ski activities.  Athletes will be placed into cohesive skill set groups decided by coaches and may be moved around as the year progresses and skiers develop (not based on age or friendships).

***COMPETITIVE – X-Country Ski Program ages 9-12 (2 nights/week)***

Nov 2, 2019 – Mar 17 , 2020 (32 sessions plus optional Fridays) $500 (price increase to $530 after Oct 31)

Tues 5:30-7:00pm, Fri optional club night, Sat 10:00am-12:00pm

no classes Dec 21-Jan 5, Feb 14-21, Mar 1 (AYC)

Location: West Bragg Creek Trails/Canmore/Weekend Race Events

Friday club night: 5:00-6:30pm

This program is designed for athletes who wish to race and develop competitive ski skills in both skate & classic skiing.

Mandatory classic & skate ski equipment, mandatory club jacket & club race suit.

Athletes will be placed into cohesive skill set/age groups decided by coaches and may be moved around as the year progresses and skiers develop

For season schedule, see “Calendar” at top menu bar.

Track Attack program goals:

  • Fitness! Fun! Teamwork!
  • Improve cross country ski technique (classic & skate)
  • Explore and enjoy many fun off trail ski activities
  • Learn how to wax skis, race with confidence, and learn about wilderness safety
  • Attend an XCBC on-snow weekend camp
  • Attend the Alberta Youth Championships event
  • Attend the local Built 4 Speed events & perhaps the AB Cup series

Optional additional dry land training & weekend racing.

Cold weather cut off is -18 C with windchill for track attack.

If conditions are considered dangerous or risky, classes are subject to be cancelled.

Unfortunately we are not able to provide make up classes for lessons cancelled due to inclement weather.

Registration link in flip box below.

Days & Times

Information on class days and times.

Schedule

Nov 2, 2019 – Mar 17 , 2020 (32 sessions plus optional Fridays)

Tues 5:30-7:00pm, Fri optional club night (5-6:30), Sat 10:00am-12:00pm

no classes Dec 21-Jan 5, Feb 14-21, Mar 1 (AYC)

Program Costs

Costs for season with Learn to Train.

Costs

$500 (price increase to $530 after Oct 31)
+ Membership Fees

Join Our Club

To join our program!

Club Involvement

If you wish to be added to our email distribution list: Program Director

Events Register

Zone 4 registration.

Information

Registration Link

Track Attack Further Information

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The checklist for TA skiers (ages 9-12)

Equipment:
Classic Gear:
•waxable classic skis that are appropriate for your child’s weight ( please have the camber & kick zone checked at a reputable ski store for weight) and height (tops curve over the head or slightly longer is the approximate size ski length for this age group & skill level). Have your kick zones marked with permanent marker on the ski sidewall.
•classic poles- pole top/handle straps should be between the armpit & top of shoulder. Straps should be adjusted so hands are close to the pole.
•classic boots that fit well. No lift or rubbing in the heel area. A way to snug them up tightly ie) laces or pull tie.
•skate skis that are appropriate for your child’s weight (please have the camber checked at a reputable ski store for weight) and height (tops curve over the head).
•skate poles- pole top/handle straps should be between chin and nose. Straps should be adjusted so hands are close to the pole.
•skate ski boots that fit well. No lift or rubbing in the heel area. A way to snug them up tightly ie) laces or pull tie.

Clothing:
3 w’s wicking layer (no cotton):
•under layer (wicking layer -to take dampness away from the skin such as polypropylene long underwear or wool (NO cotton!))
•mid layer (warm layer– fleece or wool works well)
•windproof layer (our club jacket and a pair of light windproof pants will work)

A vest is a good to keep your core warm. It is better to dress in multiple thin layers, rather than one bulky one. (you can regulate your temperature better). Be warm but avoid sweating – take off layers as needed and make sure your outer layers are breathable. Being damp is what will make you cold (especially if you have to stop moving)
•appropriate ski socks (no cotton)-You can again use the 3 Ws; wicking, warm, then your boots are the wind layer. It’s better to have two thin socks than one pair of bulky thick socks. If your feet are prone to getting cold, then get a ‘boot warmer’. (It’s a layer you put over your boots that are designed for ski boots and bindings). For kids- a large wool sock over their boot, (with the appropriate holes cut in it to accommodate bindings) will suffice as a boot warmer.
•mitts are warmer than gloves (no cotton). Again, for colder days, layering mitts are a good idea. Some little fleece mittens work well inside a x-country ski mitten for cold days. Instant hand warmers (‘hot shots’) are good if your hands get really cold.
•a toque
•thin neck buff (Lycra)
•sunglasses (for weekends)
•Headlamp mandatory (for evening classes)
•Plastic whistle mandatory for emergencies (no metal whistles)
•Wrist watch for ski events

Other:

•Water bottle and holder (the bottle needs to be covered or it will freeze)
•Snack for after practice
•Hip pack to carry water bottle and whistle. Backpacks are not optimal as they can throw the skier off balance especially when skate skiing.

Wax: (for the family)

For starting out, 3 hard waxes will suffice-for example: Swix green (-10/-20C), Swix blue extra (v40 -1/-7C), Swix red (-1/+2)
•Cork
•Scraper
•Wax remover- I like “KUU” bio citron base cleaner ( pump bottle)
•Shop cloths (lint free cloths- blue shop towels from Canadian Tire work great). The x-c version is called
•fiberlene-it’s much more expensive)
•Universal klister

Nice to have:
•Balaclava for our coldest days
•Ear warmers or headband for warmer days
•Other waxes not on the above list

The focus of the Track Attack program is to help participants become technically competent cross country skiers and use their skills to explore a wide range of ski activities while having fun. The goal of the program is to develop classic, skate, and x-country downhill techniques and develop competitive racing strategies. This program is designed for athletes who wish to race and develop competitive ski skills in both skate & classic skiing.

Athletes will be placed into cohesive skill set groups decided by coaches and may be moved around as the year progresses and skiers develop (not based on age or friendships).

Tuesday is skate skiing & Friday is classic skiing, unless otherwise stated, but weather & snow will be the determining factor. Unless posted otherwise, please have skate ski equipment ready for Tuesdays sessions and have classic skis ready and waxed before the start of Friday classes.

Below are some helpful links on kick waxing:
http://www.swixsport.com/Wax-Resources/Wax-Wizard

http://www.cccski.com/Programs/Coaching-Development/CCC-launches-new-Online-Waxing-Clinic.aspx?lang=en-CA#.XBsSKS0ZORs

West Bragg Creek Trail Reports:
http://braggcreektrails.org/report

Please see “calendar” for all scheduled program sessions, events and other scheduled XCBC activities.

Upcoming race events:

AB Cups to be announced by Cross Country Alberta

AYC (Alberta Youth Championships) Mar 2-4/18 – XCBC in West Bragg ages( born 2004-2007)
Save the date. We also need many volunteers to host this event, please keep this in mind.

B4S (Built For Speed) TBD – XCBC West Bragg. We will need many volunteers to host this event, please keep this in mind.
(B4S are a series of race events created for novice skiers. Dates to be determined by other ski clubs).

On Snow Camp:
Ribbon Creek Hostel Jan 5-7 , 2018

Please see “calendar” for all up to date scheduled program sessions, events and other scheduled XCBC activities.

FAQs

  • Q: Cold weather cutoff? A: -15 air temp -18 wind-chill.
  • Q: If a session is cancelled? A: An email will be sent out by noon the day of the lesson.

What Member’s Say

When you really think about it, this is almost the “ideal” program in so many ways. It is local and convenient. It is a “no stress” introduction to a sport that promotes fitness and health for life. It offers competitive opportunities to those who so desire. Finally it happens in a beautiful outdoor environment. I believe there are many sports clubs who seek to fulfill one of these goals, but very few who attempt to fulfill all of them. We are so fortunate to have XCBC in our backyard!
Greg Morris, Coach
Let me say something. You have an amazing team with awesome support. They really helped me this weekend. This is what I call an “extra mile” in customer relationship. So I give 8 stars for the program theme and if I could, I’d give 10 stars for support.
Carrie, Calgary